**Post-Election Mental Health Emergency: LGBTQ+ Youth Experiencing Heightened Anxiety**

The 2024 election has wrapped up, yet its effects on mental well-being are becoming more pronounced, particularly among LGBTQ+ youth. Two significant crisis hotlines have recorded notable increases in communications both leading up to and following Election Day.

The Trevor Project, a nonprofit providing 24/7 crisis support to LGBTQ+ individuals aged 13 to 24, reported to *Mashable* that discussions surrounding the election skyrocketed by 200% on November 3 and 4, when compared to days prior.

**SEE ALSO:**
[Guidance on Taking a Mental Health Day Following Election Day](https://mashable.com/article/election-stress-anxiety)

By midnight on Election Day, interactions via calls, chats, and texts to The Trevor Project’s hotline had collectively risen by 125% in comparison to a regular day. This high volume continued into the morning of November 6, with the organization anticipating that it will either remain elevated or rise further.

In a similar vein, Crisis Text Line noticed an uptick in discussions about anxiety and stress commencing the Friday before the election. By Election Day, the volume had grown by a third compared to typical rates. The nonprofit highlighted that LGBTQ+ texters were especially impacted, experiencing a 56% increase in outreach by Election Day.

This election cycle has posed unique difficulties for LGBTQ+ youth. A [recent study](https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2024/#anti-lgbtq-policies) conducted by The Trevor Project found that 90% of LGBTQ+ youth believed that politics had adversely affected their mental health.

President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign often focused on transgender rights, turning [anti-trans ads](https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trumps-anti-trans-ads-are-just-election-rhetoric-rcna178755) into a pivotal aspect of the campaign. Additionally, Project 2025, a conservative initiative backed by some of Trump’s key advisors, proposes policies aimed at reversing advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, as detailed by [Accountable.us](https://accountable.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Project-2025s-Sweeping-Anti-LGBTQ-Policies-Would-Roll-Back-The-Clock-On-LGBTQ-Equity-Advancements.pdf), a non-partisan oversight organization.

The proposed strategies suggest that the Department of Justice should uphold the rights of individuals to discriminate against LGBTQ+ persons under the First Amendment. It also recommends dismantling the Department of Health and Human Services’ focus on LGBTQ+ equity and overturning the Department of Defense’s policy permitting transgender individuals to serve in the military.

“Youth are questioning whether they have a place in the future,” stated Kevin Wong, senior vice president of marketing, communications, and content at The Trevor Project.

Wong provided various suggestions for LGBTQ+ youth feeling stressed by the election outcomes. He recommends taking time to engage in pleasurable activities, such as listening to music, preparing meals, or exercising. The Trevor Project also features a [visual breathing exercise](https://www.thetrevorproject.org/breathing-exercise/) aimed at alleviating stress.

While it is crucial to stay informed, Wong advises taking deliberate breaks from news and social media, particularly before sleep, to assist in processing the day’s developments. Fostering hope is equally vital, which could involve learning about groups championing LGBTQ+ rights and connecting with local LGBTQ+ organizations.

For those worried about potential discrimination, Wong reassures that both state and federal policies will not change instantly. This offers young people the opportunity to prioritize self-care and consider how to safeguard their rights moving forward.

Wong also encourages supportive adults to stand by LGBTQ+ youth during this period of uncertainty. Offering direct assistance can help ease anxiety, especially for those who are openly LGBTQ+. However, for teens who may not be out yet, public expressions of support—such as sharing mental health resources or making affirming remarks—can provide reassurance.

“Indicating that you are an ally… can greatly enhance feelings of acceptance among LGBTQ+ young people,” Wong remarked.

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**If you’re in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out for assistance.**
– Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988
– Reach out to the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860
– Contact The Trevor Project at 866-488-7386
– Text “START” to Crisis Text Line at 741-741
– Get in touch with the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET) or email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
– You can also access the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at [crisischat.org](http://crisischat.org)
– For international resources, visit [this list](https